Canadian “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski’s Fraud Trial Heads to the Jury

After closing arguments this week, the jury in Aiden Pleterski’s criminal trial will start deliberating on Thursday once Justice Shaun Nakatsuru gives final instructions. Pleterski, who calls himself the “crypto king,” is accused of running a digital asset Ponzi scheme that took about $30 million from his social media followers between 2021 and 2022. He was charged in 2024 and waited more than two years for trial, where he chose to act as his own lawyer.

Pleterski Says He Is Innocent

In his closing remarks, Pleterski told the court he is innocent and that this is why he pleaded not guilty. He argued that the outcome would have been different if he had not been forced to represent himself, and said he had nothing more to add. A guilty verdict on the fraud charge could mean up to 14 years in prison.

Crypto Fraud Cases Remain in the Spotlight

Pleterski is one of several high-profile crypto figures facing fraud accusations, and some have already been convicted. Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO, is serving a 25-year sentence in the United States after his 2023 fraud conviction.